Eg. in gambling addiction, cognitive errors such as the belief that the individual can control & predict outcomes play a key part in the maintenence of gambling.

CBT attempts to correct these thinking errors, thus reducing the urge to gamble. Eg. Many dont understand the concepts of probability & randomness, believing that they can exert some control over whther they win or loose.

TRAINING IN RELAPSE PREVENTION

Involves identifying high risk situations & planning how to cope with them should they arise.

Provides the addict with techniques to learn how to cope with temptations.

Eg. A gambler might be asked to imagine walking up to the door of a betting shop. They then picture their alternative behaviour. Eg, walking past & going to visit a friend instead or going to the cinema.

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RESEARCH SUPPORT FOR EFFECTIVENESS OF CBT

LADOUCEUR ET AL randomly allocated 66 pathological gamblers either to a cognitive therapy group or to a waiting list control group. The cog intervention comprised of cognitive correction (recording verbalisations) & training in relapse prevention. Of those who completed treatment, 86% no longer fulfilled the criteria for pathological gambling.

Also found that gamblers had a better perception of control over their problem & increased self efficacy- improvements were maintained at a 1 year follow up

Research suggests that the long term success of CBT is due to skills people learn which still remain after treatment.

A COMBO OF BOTH PSYCHOLOGICAL & BIOLOGICAL IS BEST

CBT has been found to be more effective when used in combo with medication.

FEENEY ET AL did a study with people with alcohol related problems & reported 14% abstinence rates in a group who had CBT alone, compared with 38% in a group who had received both CBT & medication.

According to WOODY & CRITIS-CHRISTOPH, this dual approach may well improve as more effective medications become available to treat cocaine & alcohol dependency.